A path to better healthcare simulation systems: leveraging the integrated systems design approach.

This article addresses the necessary steps in the design of simulation-based instructional systems. A model for designing instructional systems is presented which stipulates that the outcome metrics be defined before the simulation system is designed. This ensures integration of educational objectives and measures of competency into the design and development process. The article ends with a challenge to simulator users and instructors: become involved in the integrated system design process by the daily collection of standardized data and working with the simulation engineers throughout the design process. (Sim Healthcare 6:S20-S23, 2011)